Swimming & More Sketchbook Victims

Posted by on Mar 31, 2017 | 2 Comments

Hope you’re having a good hour! Those that subscribe to my newsletter might remember that a while back I was working on a swimming picture. I’m still working on that swimming picture but have since decided to change the theme slightly.

The more I worked on it the more the setting of a swimming pool seemed so boring to me, but I still wanted to challenge myself with trying to catch this mid-stroke swimmer from a unusual angle, so I decided to take the scene out to sea. Here are a few thumbnails I’ve sketched out so far:

The image still had to be depicting a race, and that’s when the first part of a triathlon, or “Ironman” competition, came to mind. As I worked on it I thought that it would be great to create a set of illustrations based on the three stages of Ironman; Swim (2.4mi) – Cycle (112mi) – Run (26.22mi). Each will have it’s own inspiring caption, with the first swimming one already established as: “Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional”.

Last night I watched an inspiring Spanish film called 100 Metros (100 Metres). It is based on the true events of a family man diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who, rather than resigning himself to his condition, decides he’s going to train for and complete in an Ironman competition. It’s a beautifully told story entwined with humour and sadness but is ultimately both deeply humbling and inspiring. Highly recommended.

 

MORE SKETCHBOOK VICTIMS

Here are a couple of people I captured using pencil. I like to draw in pencil as well as ink because I feel working in both improves my all-round technical drawing skills. You need to understand how to create lines with both, as they each have their own unique attributes when they’re applied to paper.

I’m not running a mobile phone theme here, it’s just everyone happens to be on their phones when I draw them. They have been photographed not scanned:

Lost in the city.

“…I don’t have the time, nor the inclination…!”

My childhood framed portrait from my mum’s house.

Until next time folks. If you like anything, or want to start a discussion just drop a comment below yo!

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2 Comments

  1. Stefan
    4th April, 2017

    As your brother, I can say that childhood pic of you is uncanny!

    Reply
    • Ains
      4th April, 2017

      Thanks bro! I’m improving!

      Reply

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